The original Dutch title of our February book is: Een Schitterend Gebrek.
It means: A Magnificent Handicap. Now my question is: Why is the book titled this way?
Monday, January 28, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Time to party!
There's a meme going around that asks, If you could bring three characters to life for a social event (afternoon tea, a night of clubbing, perhaps a world cruise), who would they be and what would the event be?
Nah, that's too tame. We Book Buddies will "bring to life" all the characters of all the books we have read so far:
Feb 2008 ~ In Lucia's Eyes (ILE) ~ by Arthur Japin
Jan 2008 ~ Pictures of Hollis Woods (PHW) ~ by Patricia Reilly Giff
Dec 2007 ~ Cold Comfort Farm (CCF) ~ by Stella Gibbons
Nov 2007 ~ The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (BSP) ~ by John Boyne
Oct 2007 ~ The Other Side of the Bridge (OSB) ~ by Mary Lawson
Oops! Lucia will have to wait for the next party. She's February, and we don't really know her yet.
So invitations have gone out to Hollis and Josie and Beatrice ... and the mustard lady, too ... to Steven and the Old Man and Izzy and the baby Christina.
And I've invited Flora and Charles ... Aunt Ada Doom and the Starkadder boys ... let's see, Seth and Meriam and Mrs. Beetle ... Rennett and Mr. Mybug and Amos and Judith and Urk and, oh, you know, all of THEM ... and I wouldn't be surprised if Adam doesn't bring Graceless, Aimless, Feckless and Pointless (the farm cows), but surely he wouldn't bring Big Business (the bull), would he?
Bruno and Shmuel will be there, too, along with Gretel and the Commandant and Bruno's mother and grandmother (did they have names?) ... and there may be several nameless people wearing striped pajamas, though they remained nameless in the book. Do you think the Lieutenant and any other soldiers would be interested?
Jake and Arthur Dunn are coming, as are Laura and Ian and Dr. Christopherson (Ian's father, that is) ... Ian's mother may be hanging around the edges of the party, if she shows up at all ... Pete will be there, and so will Cathy.
Have I forgotten anybody? Oh, yes, everyBUDDY is expected to show up with a marvelous party dish (or two) to share. Since all our food and drinks will be virtual, no calories are involved and we don't need designated drivers.
DATE: the rest of January.
TIME: around the clock, allowing for everybuddy's time zones
WHERE: Essencia Island ... you can start putting out chairs and tables and dreaming up excellent little areas to chat with the characters ... and each other.
WHAT: our first party ever, since moving the whole kit and caboodle "over here" to this blog after Oprah dumped us.
No RSVP needed, but please bring photos ... if you know how to post them. So that nobuddy gets lost in the "comments" sections, I omitted those. Go thou and POST your conversations, buddies! It's PARTY time! Don't forget to bring food. Now go! Click on Essencia Island and just go on over to the island.
__________
Oops! I forgot one tiny little matter ... the "official" invitations. Expect your invitation (to be a contributor to the Essencia Island blog) to arrive in your email box in the next few minutes. If you accidentally throw yours away, just let me know and I will send it out again. These pesky electronic blogs are funny that way, wanting to know you have "permission" to attend the party. Oh, well, here goes!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Rolling right along
This time I think I'll try something different ... here are a few books recently mentioned by blogger friends that sound interesting. If you have heard of a good book, maybe even here at Book Buddies, tell us the title ... and I'll add it to this list. All of you buddies who have trouble getting some of the American books, it's time for you to speak up ... NOW. Let's collect titles (and comments about books) for a week and, on January 31, I'll put the voting thingy in the sidebar again so we can choose our book for March ... and maybe April, if we have two with strong votes. Here's a list, linked to information about each book:The Bastard of Istanbul ~ by Elif Shafak
On Agate Hill ~ by Lee Smith
People of the Book ~ by Geraldine Brooks
The Reluctant Fundamentalist ~ by Mohsin Hamid
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
In Lucia's Eyes ~ for Feburary discussion
Lucia works as a servant girl in Italy and is engaged to be married. But after the pox disfigures her face, she flees in shame without telling her lover. Years later, as a reknowned Amsterdam courtesan who never goes out without her veil, Lucia is at the theater when she recognizes her long-lost fiancé, Giacomo Casanova; and she cannot resist the opportunity to encounter him again. Based on a woman who appeared briefly in Casanova’s legendary diaries, Lucia emerges as a brilliant woman who becomes every bit his match. In Lucia’s Eyes by Arthur Japin is an elegant and moving story of love denied and transformed.According to brief references in his autobiography, the adult Casanova happens upon his lost adolescent love, Lucia, in an Amsterdam brothel where he is shocked to find that she has become, in his own words, "repulsive" (see the author’s postscript on page 233). Japin imagines this chance meeting of the former sweethearts through the eyes of the young woman herself, constructing Lucia’s own autobiography almost as a counterpart to Casanova’s celebrated memoirs. In Japin’s hands, the story of Lucia’s tragic life becomes a complex exploration of the meaning of love and human nature, as well as an unflinchingly honest portrait of Dutch prostitution in the eighteenth century.
The beautiful and innocent Lucia falls in love with the dashing young Casanova, whom she meets at her childhood home in rural northern Italy. When Casanova leaves for Venice to pursue his diplomatic career, promising to return in the spring to marry Lucia, tragedy strikes: Lucia becomes ill with smallpox. She survives the ordeal but her face is permanently scarred and ugly. Knowing that Casanova cannot pursue his career in Venice with an unsightly wife, she chooses to give him up — instructing her mother to tell him that in his absence she ran off with a courier. The rejected Casanova departs, and Lucia, in desperation, flees her home forever to make her way alone.
In Bologna, Lucia develops her new identity, Galathée de Pompignac, and becomes a secretary to Zélide, a French female archaeologist. As they travel together through Italy and France, Lucia’s education is furthered by the ideas of the Europe’s nascent Age of Enlightenment. However, after Zélide’s untimely death, Lucia moves on to Amsterdam where it is not long before her destitution drives her to the sordid life of a prostitute. Years later, after Lucia’s position has finally improved and she has become a highly-desired courtesan, Lucia’s emotional foundation is shaken to its core by a chance encounter with the love of her youth: Casanova. The reunion of the former lovers reveals the true meaning of love and survival for Lucia and, ultimately, brings her a chance for a new life.
If you want to know the WHOLE story, you could also read Giacomo Casanova's History of My Life. Known as a womanizer, Casanova retired at 60 to write about his life. Because every previous edition of Casonova's Memoirs had been abridged to suppress the author's political and religious views and tame his vivid, often racy, style, the literary world considered it a major event when Willard R. Trask's translation of the complete original text was published in six double volumes between 1966 and 1971. Trask's award-winning translation now appears in paperback for the first time (at 1512 pages long).__________
To read all posts related to our discussion of ILE, click here.
__________
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Why is the book titled this way?
Part 1
When did she know?
Why the name change?
Part 2
A Great Imperfection
Part 3
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Responses to Questions 13-19
13. Family ~ Describe the Regan family. Why is Hollis so confused about Steven’s relationship with his Dad? Why does she feel that the accident was her fault, and that she has "messed up the whole family" (p. 136)? At what point does Hollis realize that Steven wants to be her brother? Discuss why Hollis calls Steven’s father the "Old Man." How has Hollis’s "W" picture changed by the end of the novel? How does the structure of the novel, especially the numerical sequence of pictures, reveal Hollis’s desire to be a part of the Regan family?
The Regan family seemed very much together. They sounded like they not only loved one another, but had fun together. Although Steven and his dad had various disputes, the love that each person had for the other shone through. Hollis was confused that two people she loved seemed to have so many disagreements. She felt that the accident was her fault because Steven had come to get her when it became dark and if she wouldn't have gone to the mountaintop the accident wouldn't have happened. I can't remember when Hollis realized that Steven wanted to be her brother, but he did accept her from the beginning. I can't remember why Hollis began calling his dad the "Old Man". Hollis's W picture changed by the end of the book in that she was the girl in the picture and another sister had been added as well. I have returned the book to the library and can't remember the structure of it.
14. Friendship ~ Why it is so difficult for Hollis to make friends? How is Steven Hollis’s first real friend? What do Josie and Beatrice teach Hollis about friendship? Hollis becomes extremely loyal to Josie. She is even willing to go to school so she can stay with Josie. How is loyalty an important element of friendship? How does Hollis remain a friend to Josie after she joins the Regan family?
Hollis moves around so much and feels so different from her peers that it is difficult for her to make friends. Steven accepted Hollis as she was from the time he met her and was so caught up with himself and yet so open to her that their friendship quickly blossomed. The long term relationship of Josie and Beatrice taught Hollis the joy of friendship as well as the need of accepting people as they are. Loyalty is important in friendship as knowing that someone is there for you is part of what friendship is. Hollis keeps in touch with Josie even after she joins the Regan family.
15. Abandonment ~ Hollis has lived in many different foster homes since she was abandoned at birth. The woman in the stucco house calls her "a mountain of trouble," and Hollis refers to herself as "tough." What is the difference between trouble and tough? How has Hollis’s abandonment and search for love made her tough? How did Hollis abandon herself when she left the Regan home? Why is Hollis so determined not to abandon Josie?
Being "trouble" is when a person causes others to have grief because of the troublesome person's actions. Being tough is when one either develops a shell that does not allow others to get close and/or no longer caring about others. Hollis had troubles and tried to be tough, but she wasn't. She cared and wanted a family and was willing to be a friend. When Hollis left the Regans, she tried to be tough and no longer caring, but she wasn't able to do so. Josie accepted Hollis for who she was and welcomed her into her life. Hollis soon cared very much about Josie and did not want her to get caught in the system as she had been.
16. Truth ~ What does Beatrice mean when she tells Hollis, "You have to keep looking to find the truth" (p. 45)? How do Beatrice and Josie prepare Hollis for her moment of truth? What was the truth that Hollis discovered at the end of the novel?
The truth is not as obvious as it should be. By accepting Hollis, Beatrice and Josie helped Hollis realize that she is a loveable person and that the Regans truly wanted her to be part of their family.
17. Hope ~ There are times when Hollis’s life seems hopeless. How is hope revealed through her art? Beatrice says, "You’re going to be something, you and that language you speak on paper" (p. 46). How do these words offer Hollis hope? How does Hollis’s last run give her the life that she has always hoped for?
Hollis respects Beatrice as a person and as an artist. Her wisdom and appreciation of Hollis' talent gives Hollis hope that she can be somebody. Hollis' last run takes her back to the Regans.
18. Here's a question especially for those outside the United States, though people in the U.S. are certainly welcome to speak up and tell us your thoughts. This novel is about foster care in the United States; what can you tell us about foster care in your country? Why was it started? How do families qualify to become foster homes? How many children in your community are served through foster care? How does the agency receive funding?
I'll pass on this question since I live in the United States.
19. What sort of pictures do you think Hollis might draw as a wordless picture book for Christina, her new little sister? Would Hollis likely call the book "My Family" or "Our Family"?
Hollis might draw pictures of the family for Christina. She would probably call the book "Our Family".
The Regan family seemed very much together. They sounded like they not only loved one another, but had fun together. Although Steven and his dad had various disputes, the love that each person had for the other shone through. Hollis was confused that two people she loved seemed to have so many disagreements. She felt that the accident was her fault because Steven had come to get her when it became dark and if she wouldn't have gone to the mountaintop the accident wouldn't have happened. I can't remember when Hollis realized that Steven wanted to be her brother, but he did accept her from the beginning. I can't remember why Hollis began calling his dad the "Old Man". Hollis's W picture changed by the end of the book in that she was the girl in the picture and another sister had been added as well. I have returned the book to the library and can't remember the structure of it.
14. Friendship ~ Why it is so difficult for Hollis to make friends? How is Steven Hollis’s first real friend? What do Josie and Beatrice teach Hollis about friendship? Hollis becomes extremely loyal to Josie. She is even willing to go to school so she can stay with Josie. How is loyalty an important element of friendship? How does Hollis remain a friend to Josie after she joins the Regan family?
Hollis moves around so much and feels so different from her peers that it is difficult for her to make friends. Steven accepted Hollis as she was from the time he met her and was so caught up with himself and yet so open to her that their friendship quickly blossomed. The long term relationship of Josie and Beatrice taught Hollis the joy of friendship as well as the need of accepting people as they are. Loyalty is important in friendship as knowing that someone is there for you is part of what friendship is. Hollis keeps in touch with Josie even after she joins the Regan family.
15. Abandonment ~ Hollis has lived in many different foster homes since she was abandoned at birth. The woman in the stucco house calls her "a mountain of trouble," and Hollis refers to herself as "tough." What is the difference between trouble and tough? How has Hollis’s abandonment and search for love made her tough? How did Hollis abandon herself when she left the Regan home? Why is Hollis so determined not to abandon Josie?
Being "trouble" is when a person causes others to have grief because of the troublesome person's actions. Being tough is when one either develops a shell that does not allow others to get close and/or no longer caring about others. Hollis had troubles and tried to be tough, but she wasn't. She cared and wanted a family and was willing to be a friend. When Hollis left the Regans, she tried to be tough and no longer caring, but she wasn't able to do so. Josie accepted Hollis for who she was and welcomed her into her life. Hollis soon cared very much about Josie and did not want her to get caught in the system as she had been.
16. Truth ~ What does Beatrice mean when she tells Hollis, "You have to keep looking to find the truth" (p. 45)? How do Beatrice and Josie prepare Hollis for her moment of truth? What was the truth that Hollis discovered at the end of the novel?
The truth is not as obvious as it should be. By accepting Hollis, Beatrice and Josie helped Hollis realize that she is a loveable person and that the Regans truly wanted her to be part of their family.
17. Hope ~ There are times when Hollis’s life seems hopeless. How is hope revealed through her art? Beatrice says, "You’re going to be something, you and that language you speak on paper" (p. 46). How do these words offer Hollis hope? How does Hollis’s last run give her the life that she has always hoped for?
Hollis respects Beatrice as a person and as an artist. Her wisdom and appreciation of Hollis' talent gives Hollis hope that she can be somebody. Hollis' last run takes her back to the Regans.
18. Here's a question especially for those outside the United States, though people in the U.S. are certainly welcome to speak up and tell us your thoughts. This novel is about foster care in the United States; what can you tell us about foster care in your country? Why was it started? How do families qualify to become foster homes? How many children in your community are served through foster care? How does the agency receive funding?
I'll pass on this question since I live in the United States.
19. What sort of pictures do you think Hollis might draw as a wordless picture book for Christina, her new little sister? Would Hollis likely call the book "My Family" or "Our Family"?
Hollis might draw pictures of the family for Christina. She would probably call the book "Our Family".
Thursday, January 17, 2008
QUESTIONS 7-12
The others have already said what I would say, except 10. I have made decisions based on what someone has said to me or what others have said to others. Since this book involves art, there are many instances. 1 being the simple act of sketching or drawing in public. It can be really intimidating & if someone wants to see what you are sketching, it can be downright scary. When I first started to sketch in public, I would cover the page if someone was looking my way. After all, I was still a beginner, & super critical of my sketches. I've come to learn that most, if not all artists feel that way. Now, I don't care who looks at my sketches, well, for the most part. Someone had said, "just tell people that you are practicing", if they saw something that wasn't perfect. Another said to say out loud, "I am an ARTIST". "Tell people that you are an artist." I can only say that to myself, not out loud. I'm working on that as well as others in my art group. All it takes is a word(s) said & then you have a light bulb moment & your life alters, just as Hollis listened to words said by Steven & others in her mind. Then, when she saw her artwork that she drew, she saw what she had actually seen at that moment. When you sketched something, & look at it years later , you usually can remember everything that you thought, saw, felt at the time. Memories in pictures. (Sorry to write a book. Can you tell that I just love this book!)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
PHW ~ discussion questions 13-19
We discussed the theme of Belonging already, so let's discuss a few more themes: Family, Friendship, Abandonment, Truth, and Hope.
13. Family ~ Describe the Regan family. Why is Hollis so confused about Steven’s relationship with his Dad? Why does she feel that the accident was her fault, and that she has "messed up the whole family" (p. 136)? At what point does Hollis realize that Steven wants to be her brother? Discuss why Hollis calls Steven’s father the "Old Man." How has Hollis’s "W" picture changed by the end of the novel? How does the structure of the novel, especially the numerical sequence of pictures, reveal Hollis’s desire to be a part of the Regan family?
14. Friendship ~ Why it is so difficult for Hollis to make friends? How is Steven Hollis’s first real friend? What do Josie and Beatrice teach Hollis about friendship? Hollis becomes extremely loyal to Josie. She is even willing to go to school so she can stay with Josie. How is loyalty an important element of friendship? How does Hollis remain a friend to Josie after she joins the Regan family?
15. Abandonment ~ Hollis has lived in many different foster homes since she was abandoned at birth. The woman in the stucco house calls her "a mountain of trouble," and Hollis refers to herself as "tough." What is the difference between trouble and tough? How has Hollis’s abandonment and search for love made her tough? How did Hollis abandon herself when she left the Regan home? Why is Hollis so determined not to abandon Josie?
16. Truth ~ What does Beatrice mean when she tells Hollis, "You have to keep looking to find the truth" (p. 45)? How do Beatrice and Josie prepare Hollis for her moment of truth? What was the truth that Hollis discovered at the end of the novel?
17. Hope ~ There are times when Hollis’s life seems hopeless. How is hope revealed through her art? Beatrice says, "You’re going to be something, you and that language you speak on paper" (p. 46). How do these words offer Hollis hope? How does Hollis’s last run give her the life that she has always hoped for?
18. Here's a question especially for those outside the United States, though people in the U.S. are certainly welcome to speak up and tell us your thoughts. This novel is about foster care in the United States; what can you tell us about foster care in your country? Why was it started? How do families qualify to become foster homes? How many children in your community are served through foster care? How does the agency receive funding?
19. What sort of pictures do you think Hollis might draw as a wordless picture book for Christina, her new little sister? Would Hollis likely call the book "My Family" or "Our Family"?
13. Family ~ Describe the Regan family. Why is Hollis so confused about Steven’s relationship with his Dad? Why does she feel that the accident was her fault, and that she has "messed up the whole family" (p. 136)? At what point does Hollis realize that Steven wants to be her brother? Discuss why Hollis calls Steven’s father the "Old Man." How has Hollis’s "W" picture changed by the end of the novel? How does the structure of the novel, especially the numerical sequence of pictures, reveal Hollis’s desire to be a part of the Regan family?
14. Friendship ~ Why it is so difficult for Hollis to make friends? How is Steven Hollis’s first real friend? What do Josie and Beatrice teach Hollis about friendship? Hollis becomes extremely loyal to Josie. She is even willing to go to school so she can stay with Josie. How is loyalty an important element of friendship? How does Hollis remain a friend to Josie after she joins the Regan family?
15. Abandonment ~ Hollis has lived in many different foster homes since she was abandoned at birth. The woman in the stucco house calls her "a mountain of trouble," and Hollis refers to herself as "tough." What is the difference between trouble and tough? How has Hollis’s abandonment and search for love made her tough? How did Hollis abandon herself when she left the Regan home? Why is Hollis so determined not to abandon Josie?
16. Truth ~ What does Beatrice mean when she tells Hollis, "You have to keep looking to find the truth" (p. 45)? How do Beatrice and Josie prepare Hollis for her moment of truth? What was the truth that Hollis discovered at the end of the novel?
17. Hope ~ There are times when Hollis’s life seems hopeless. How is hope revealed through her art? Beatrice says, "You’re going to be something, you and that language you speak on paper" (p. 46). How do these words offer Hollis hope? How does Hollis’s last run give her the life that she has always hoped for?
18. Here's a question especially for those outside the United States, though people in the U.S. are certainly welcome to speak up and tell us your thoughts. This novel is about foster care in the United States; what can you tell us about foster care in your country? Why was it started? How do families qualify to become foster homes? How many children in your community are served through foster care? How does the agency receive funding?
19. What sort of pictures do you think Hollis might draw as a wordless picture book for Christina, her new little sister? Would Hollis likely call the book "My Family" or "Our Family"?
Friday, January 11, 2008
Questions 7-12
7. Beatrice is leaving in the morning for New Mexico, but she worries about Josie. Hollis whispers, "I'll take care of her" (p. 58). Why do you think Hollis is willing to reverse their roles, with her taking care of Josie?
I think because she has come to care for Beatrice and Josie, she wants to do what she thinks is the best for them. She wants Beatrice to go, because it has been her dream. She's willing to take care of Josie, because she knows there is no one else but her.
8. Is it a good or a bad thing that Steven teaches Hollis how to drive the truck (6th picture)?
Well, I haven't read the whole book, so I don't know the extent or details of the consequences of her learning to drive, but I think it gives her a sense of power and control in her life that she couldn't get elsewhere at the time.
9. The mustard woman said, "I think, Mrs. Cahill, that we need to talk about another place for Hollis" (p. 66). The mustard woman is actually a nice person, telling Hollis, "They're not so far from here. You and Mrs. Cahill will be able to visit sometimes, Hollis" (p. 67). Still, Hollis doesn't want the social agency to take her from Josie. When the mustard woman calls to say she'll pick up Hollis on Saturday to go visit the new mother, Hollis has a puzzle:
I couldn't leave Josie.
I couldn't stay.
It was a puzzle. (p. 74).
So she plans a winter escape ... and then wonders:
How could I do it?
How could I not? (p. 75)
What does Hollis do?
She basically runs away again, but with Josie along side her. It's a decision that is not black and white, as it is with most decisions we have to make.
10.What did you think of Hollis's reasoning, with Steven saying in her mind, "Why not?" Have you ever made decisions partly based on what you think another person would say to you? Tell us about it.
I can't think of anything specific because I think I base a lot of decisions on what someone will say or think. I'm a people-pleaser. Hollis certainly isn't one, which says a lot that she finds it important what Steven thinks.
11. Was is right or wrong for Hollis to break into a house owned by someone else? And why does she keep asking the Old Man, "Is it still mine?" What's beneath her thinking about being at Branches?
Again another grey area. Being a paranoid person, I just kept thinking of safety issues while they were there. Hollis seems to feel a small amount of hope that they consider her a part of the family.
12. After a few days with Josie, Hollis realized that she had never been needed before ... or wanted. What is the difference between being needed and being wanted? How do both contribute to belonging? How do you know that Hollis really wants to belong to the Regan family? Do you think Hollis’s attitude toward school is a result of her feeling that she does not belong?
These are some tough questions! I'll try: When you are needed you feel as though you had a purpose in someone else's life; being wanted makes me think of unconditional love, regardless of what is done of given. It is evident that Hollis wants to be a part of the Regan family because they are always in her thoughts, and you get the idea that the only reason she is away from them is because she feels that she has done something wrong. As far as school, belonging definitely helps a child have a positive attitude about it. Hollis was set up right from the start in Kindergarten to feel different and separate from the other students.
I think because she has come to care for Beatrice and Josie, she wants to do what she thinks is the best for them. She wants Beatrice to go, because it has been her dream. She's willing to take care of Josie, because she knows there is no one else but her.
8. Is it a good or a bad thing that Steven teaches Hollis how to drive the truck (6th picture)?
Well, I haven't read the whole book, so I don't know the extent or details of the consequences of her learning to drive, but I think it gives her a sense of power and control in her life that she couldn't get elsewhere at the time.
9. The mustard woman said, "I think, Mrs. Cahill, that we need to talk about another place for Hollis" (p. 66). The mustard woman is actually a nice person, telling Hollis, "They're not so far from here. You and Mrs. Cahill will be able to visit sometimes, Hollis" (p. 67). Still, Hollis doesn't want the social agency to take her from Josie. When the mustard woman calls to say she'll pick up Hollis on Saturday to go visit the new mother, Hollis has a puzzle:
I couldn't leave Josie.
I couldn't stay.
It was a puzzle. (p. 74).
So she plans a winter escape ... and then wonders:
How could I do it?
How could I not? (p. 75)
What does Hollis do?
She basically runs away again, but with Josie along side her. It's a decision that is not black and white, as it is with most decisions we have to make.
10.What did you think of Hollis's reasoning, with Steven saying in her mind, "Why not?" Have you ever made decisions partly based on what you think another person would say to you? Tell us about it.
I can't think of anything specific because I think I base a lot of decisions on what someone will say or think. I'm a people-pleaser. Hollis certainly isn't one, which says a lot that she finds it important what Steven thinks.
11. Was is right or wrong for Hollis to break into a house owned by someone else? And why does she keep asking the Old Man, "Is it still mine?" What's beneath her thinking about being at Branches?
Again another grey area. Being a paranoid person, I just kept thinking of safety issues while they were there. Hollis seems to feel a small amount of hope that they consider her a part of the family.
12. After a few days with Josie, Hollis realized that she had never been needed before ... or wanted. What is the difference between being needed and being wanted? How do both contribute to belonging? How do you know that Hollis really wants to belong to the Regan family? Do you think Hollis’s attitude toward school is a result of her feeling that she does not belong?
These are some tough questions! I'll try: When you are needed you feel as though you had a purpose in someone else's life; being wanted makes me think of unconditional love, regardless of what is done of given. It is evident that Hollis wants to be a part of the Regan family because they are always in her thoughts, and you get the idea that the only reason she is away from them is because she feels that she has done something wrong. As far as school, belonging definitely helps a child have a positive attitude about it. Hollis was set up right from the start in Kindergarten to feel different and separate from the other students.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Part 2 Answers
7. Beatrice is leaving in the morning for New Mexico, but she worries about Josie. Hollis whispers, "I'll take care of her" (p. 58). Why do you think Hollis is willing to reverse their roles, with her taking care of Josie?
Josie accepted Hollis, respected her, and was there when she needed her so now Hollis is willing to reverse the roles. Also she knows what happens when a person gets stuck in the system and wants to avoid that for Josie.
8. Is it a good or a bad thing that Steven teaches Hollis how to drive the truck (6th picture)?
Although not the safest thing for someone who barely knows how to drive to teach someone else how to drive, I do think it was a great way to help Hollis feel accepted and to know that she was learning something useful.
9. The mustard woman said, "I think, Mrs. Cahill, that we need to talk about another place for Hollis" (p. 66). The mustard woman is actually a nice person, telling Hollis, "They're not so far from here. You and Mrs. Cahill will be able to visit sometimes, Hollis" (p. 67). Still, Hollis doesn't want the social agency to take her from Josie. When the mustard woman calls to say she'll pick up Hollis on Saturday to go visit the new mother, Hollis has a puzzle:
I couldn't leave Josie.I couldn't stay.It was a puzzle. (p. 74).So she plans a winter escape ... and then wonders:
How could I do it?How could I not? (p. 75)What does Hollis do?
She realizes that she has to move quickly and does.
10.What did you think of Hollis's reasoning, with Steven saying in her mind, "Why not?" Have you ever made decisions partly based on what you think another person would say to you? Tell us about it.
I liked the confidence Steven in Hollis' mind gave her. I can't think of a time of making decisions based on what someone else would say to me.
11. Was is right or wrong for Hollis to break into a house owned by someone else? And why does she keep asking the Old Man, "Is it still mine?" What's beneath her thinking about being at Branches?
Aha! Situational ethics. It is not right to break into someone else's house. However, given the circumstances and available options, Hollis made a good choice. She even planned to repay Izzy for the things they ate. The Branches was the only place she'd ever felt at home so it is appropriate to go "home" with Josie.
12. After a few days with Josie, Hollis realized that she had never been needed before ... or wanted. What is the difference between being needed and being wanted? How do both contribute to belonging? How do you know that Hollis really wants to belong to the Regan family? Do you think Hollis’s attitude toward school is a result of her feeling that she does not belong?
Being needed is when someone needs you for something; being wanted is being accepted for who you are. If you are needed, you belong because you can help others; if you are wanted, you belong because at least someone feels that you are worthy. Hollis thinks constantly of the Regan family and the summer with them at Branches was the happinest time of her life--she wanted to holler from the top of the mountain that she was finally a part of a family.
I think that Hollis's attitude toward school is a combination that she does not belong as she does not fit in with the other students and because she is much more mature than the others in school.
Josie accepted Hollis, respected her, and was there when she needed her so now Hollis is willing to reverse the roles. Also she knows what happens when a person gets stuck in the system and wants to avoid that for Josie.
8. Is it a good or a bad thing that Steven teaches Hollis how to drive the truck (6th picture)?
Although not the safest thing for someone who barely knows how to drive to teach someone else how to drive, I do think it was a great way to help Hollis feel accepted and to know that she was learning something useful.
9. The mustard woman said, "I think, Mrs. Cahill, that we need to talk about another place for Hollis" (p. 66). The mustard woman is actually a nice person, telling Hollis, "They're not so far from here. You and Mrs. Cahill will be able to visit sometimes, Hollis" (p. 67). Still, Hollis doesn't want the social agency to take her from Josie. When the mustard woman calls to say she'll pick up Hollis on Saturday to go visit the new mother, Hollis has a puzzle:
I couldn't leave Josie.I couldn't stay.It was a puzzle. (p. 74).So she plans a winter escape ... and then wonders:
How could I do it?How could I not? (p. 75)What does Hollis do?
She realizes that she has to move quickly and does.
10.What did you think of Hollis's reasoning, with Steven saying in her mind, "Why not?" Have you ever made decisions partly based on what you think another person would say to you? Tell us about it.
I liked the confidence Steven in Hollis' mind gave her. I can't think of a time of making decisions based on what someone else would say to me.
11. Was is right or wrong for Hollis to break into a house owned by someone else? And why does she keep asking the Old Man, "Is it still mine?" What's beneath her thinking about being at Branches?
Aha! Situational ethics. It is not right to break into someone else's house. However, given the circumstances and available options, Hollis made a good choice. She even planned to repay Izzy for the things they ate. The Branches was the only place she'd ever felt at home so it is appropriate to go "home" with Josie.
12. After a few days with Josie, Hollis realized that she had never been needed before ... or wanted. What is the difference between being needed and being wanted? How do both contribute to belonging? How do you know that Hollis really wants to belong to the Regan family? Do you think Hollis’s attitude toward school is a result of her feeling that she does not belong?
Being needed is when someone needs you for something; being wanted is being accepted for who you are. If you are needed, you belong because you can help others; if you are wanted, you belong because at least someone feels that you are worthy. Hollis thinks constantly of the Regan family and the summer with them at Branches was the happinest time of her life--she wanted to holler from the top of the mountain that she was finally a part of a family.
I think that Hollis's attitude toward school is a combination that she does not belong as she does not fit in with the other students and because she is much more mature than the others in school.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
PHW ~ discussion questions 7-12
This week we'll look at this section of the book:
7. Beatrice is leaving in the morning for New Mexico, but she worries about Josie. Hollis whispers, "I'll take care of her" (p. 58). Why do you think Hollis is willing to reverse their roles, with her taking care of Josie?
8. Is it a good or a bad thing that Steven teaches Hollis how to drive the truck (6th picture)?
9. The mustard woman said, "I think, Mrs. Cahill, that we need to talk about another place for Hollis" (p. 66). The mustard woman is actually a nice person, telling Hollis, "They're not so far from here. You and Mrs. Cahill will be able to visit sometimes, Hollis" (p. 67). Still, Hollis doesn't want the social agency to take her from Josie. When the mustard woman calls to say she'll pick up Hollis on Saturday to go visit the new mother, Hollis has a puzzle:
10.What did you think of Hollis's reasoning, with Steven saying in her mind, "Why not?" Have you ever made decisions partly based on what you think another person would say to you? Tell us about it.
11. Was is right or wrong for Hollis to break into a house owned by someone else? And why does she keep asking the Old Man, "Is it still mine?" What's beneath her thinking about being at Branches?
12. After a few days with Josie, Hollis realized that she had never been needed before ... or wanted. What is the difference between being needed and being wanted? How do both contribute to belonging? How do you know that Hollis really wants to belong to the Regan family? Do you think Hollis’s attitude toward school is a result of her feeling that she does not belong?
Chapter 6 = JosieQUESTIONS:
6th picture = Driving the Truck
Chapter 7 = Josie
7th picture = Izzy
Chapter 8 = Josie
8th picture = End of Summer
Chapter 9 = Josie
Chapter 10 = Josie
9th picture = Izzy's Cake
7. Beatrice is leaving in the morning for New Mexico, but she worries about Josie. Hollis whispers, "I'll take care of her" (p. 58). Why do you think Hollis is willing to reverse their roles, with her taking care of Josie?
8. Is it a good or a bad thing that Steven teaches Hollis how to drive the truck (6th picture)?
9. The mustard woman said, "I think, Mrs. Cahill, that we need to talk about another place for Hollis" (p. 66). The mustard woman is actually a nice person, telling Hollis, "They're not so far from here. You and Mrs. Cahill will be able to visit sometimes, Hollis" (p. 67). Still, Hollis doesn't want the social agency to take her from Josie. When the mustard woman calls to say she'll pick up Hollis on Saturday to go visit the new mother, Hollis has a puzzle:
I couldn't leave Josie.So she plans a winter escape ... and then wonders:
I couldn't stay.
It was a puzzle. (p. 74).
How could I do it?What does Hollis do?
How could I not? (p. 75)
10.What did you think of Hollis's reasoning, with Steven saying in her mind, "Why not?" Have you ever made decisions partly based on what you think another person would say to you? Tell us about it.
11. Was is right or wrong for Hollis to break into a house owned by someone else? And why does she keep asking the Old Man, "Is it still mine?" What's beneath her thinking about being at Branches?
12. After a few days with Josie, Hollis realized that she had never been needed before ... or wanted. What is the difference between being needed and being wanted? How do both contribute to belonging? How do you know that Hollis really wants to belong to the Regan family? Do you think Hollis’s attitude toward school is a result of her feeling that she does not belong?
PHW ~ Bonnie's discussion of the questions
1. Why is the first picture called "X"? And why do you think Hollis has kept it in spite of the X? Discuss Hollis’s idea of home.
What an insensitive teacher! This first picture, which has peanut butter and jelly smudges, was not one Hollis drew herself. It was cut out of a magazine for homework when she was only six years old. The teacher didn't see any "W" words in it, but Hollis did:
Hollis's idea of home is family: a father, a mother, a brother, and a sister. I noticed that the Regans plus Hollis fulfills that wish-want exactly. But by the end of the book, Hollis's idea of family has broadened. And that is finally a perfect family, not only for Hollis, but also for Izzy.
2. We've heard that "a picture is worth a thousand words," so think up a picture of your family when you were a child. What would your "picture" show? Why is that particular moment in your family so special?
Well, maybe I'd show a picture of my daddy flying a kite with us kids, but Jimmy wasn't even born yet. Maybe it would be a picture of Mom sitting with us in the second pew at (her) church so she could take us out the nearby door if we got rambunctious, but Daddy wouldn't be there (until we children were mostly grown and flown). Maybe it would be the day Daddy came home from World War Two ... and I (age 5) sat down at the piano to play my favorite piece for him, while Billy (age 2 or 3) cavorted around him, and Mother greeted him holding baby Ann, whom he had not yet seen in person; but once again, Jim wasn't born for another four years. Hmmm, maybe I can't draw a picture that includes all of us four kids plus parents, especially since I married at 18 and Jimmy was a week short of being ten years old at the time.
3. Except for the first chapter, all the others are said to be "The Time with Josie." What happens in chapter one? What name would you give this chapter?
Shelly's name for the chapter is so perfect: Mustard Lady Delivers Hollis to Art Teacher Wielding Knife. I love it! Wow, publishers should hire her to write chapter titles. This may sound like I'm being facetious, but I am really impressed with her title. It had me laughing out loud, truly! "Time with Josie" ~ how exciting is that? Shelley's chapter heading would draw in any reader, wouldn't it?
4. Beatrice had been an art teacher for 40 years, but had never seen anyone who could do what Hollis could do (p. 43). The Old Man had said, "Where'd you ever learn to do that?" (pp. 44, 47), and Izzie had said, "You have a gift, pure and simple" (p. 44). What are some of the many many art career options for Hollis?
My twin daughters went different ways in their art interests. When she was in high school, one used tweed cloth glued to paper to illustrate fashion models; the other painted impressions of a wooded area, later using watercolors to blend pastel colors into dancers or flowers. The first could have been a fashion designer or a magazine illustrator or a newspaper ad editor, while her sister could have become a starving artist selling her original fine art on Parisian street corners. Actually, the first daughter uses her artistic talents when she puts pictures or 3-D objects on the walls of her home, and her sister isn't starving ... even though she still prefers fine art ... she is now part of an artists' cooperative, while her banker-husband supports the family. Hollis could do something like my daughters ... or she could illustrate books, design greeting cards, become an art teacher like Beatrice, lots of possibilities. The field is wide open for Hollis.
5. I'm testing your memory with this question. What was Hollis's favorite color in the leather box of colored pencils the Old Man gave her? What do you imagine Hollis would draw with that color?
Her favorite color was French Blue, as others have said. Sure, Hollis could draw the sky or the Delaware River, but also her favorite mountain. I looked up the color online and found a variety of shades of blue ... this yarn shows several shades of French blue. I guess I think of blue for mountains because I live in the Cumberland mountain range and near the Smoky Mountains, which look smoky blue-gray from a distance. Shades of purplish-bluish hills and mountaintops disappear into the distance in my mind, layers and layers of blues so that sometimes I can't decide whether that most distant one is a mountain or a cloud. I love that image.
6. Josie told Hollis, "There are saltwater people, and freshwater people" (p. 23). Which was Hollis? Which are you? Tell us why.
Hollis preferred freshwater, as I do. As a child I loved reading about sailors climbing up into the sails and sailing the wild blue sea. Then I learned that I couldn't become of sailor of schooners (in the late 1940s) for two reasons: (1) schooners and square-riggers had gone the way of the dodo bird, and (2) women in the navy were not (then) allowed to actually sail off in ships. Too bad. When I got to know the ocean, however, it felt so wide open and huge! Not like the Tennessee River or the small creeks and streams in my area of the world. Nah, I'm happy to have spent my sailing life on a dammed-up lake not more than a couple of miles wide, blowing in the wind sweeping down on my 19-foot sailboat from the surrounding hills. I like being in sight of mountains.
What an insensitive teacher! This first picture, which has peanut butter and jelly smudges, was not one Hollis drew herself. It was cut out of a magazine for homework when she was only six years old. The teacher didn't see any "W" words in it, but Hollis did:
W for wish, or W for want, or W for "Wouldn't it be loverly," like the song the music teacher had taught us? (p. 1)Hollis had to sit in the hall for defacing another student's picture; I think the teacher needed the same punishment ... go sit in the hall for defacing Hollis's wish-want picture! Though I don't want to search through the book to find it, I remember Hollis later thinking this early picture also represents "WITH" in her mind. I think it's precocious of Hollis to come up with a picture of "with" ... I wonder what I'd have suggested to illustrate that word. Nothing so inovative, I'm sure.
Hollis's idea of home is family: a father, a mother, a brother, and a sister. I noticed that the Regans plus Hollis fulfills that wish-want exactly. But by the end of the book, Hollis's idea of family has broadened. And that is finally a perfect family, not only for Hollis, but also for Izzy.
2. We've heard that "a picture is worth a thousand words," so think up a picture of your family when you were a child. What would your "picture" show? Why is that particular moment in your family so special?
Well, maybe I'd show a picture of my daddy flying a kite with us kids, but Jimmy wasn't even born yet. Maybe it would be a picture of Mom sitting with us in the second pew at (her) church so she could take us out the nearby door if we got rambunctious, but Daddy wouldn't be there (until we children were mostly grown and flown). Maybe it would be the day Daddy came home from World War Two ... and I (age 5) sat down at the piano to play my favorite piece for him, while Billy (age 2 or 3) cavorted around him, and Mother greeted him holding baby Ann, whom he had not yet seen in person; but once again, Jim wasn't born for another four years. Hmmm, maybe I can't draw a picture that includes all of us four kids plus parents, especially since I married at 18 and Jimmy was a week short of being ten years old at the time.
3. Except for the first chapter, all the others are said to be "The Time with Josie." What happens in chapter one? What name would you give this chapter?
Shelly's name for the chapter is so perfect: Mustard Lady Delivers Hollis to Art Teacher Wielding Knife. I love it! Wow, publishers should hire her to write chapter titles. This may sound like I'm being facetious, but I am really impressed with her title. It had me laughing out loud, truly! "Time with Josie" ~ how exciting is that? Shelley's chapter heading would draw in any reader, wouldn't it?
4. Beatrice had been an art teacher for 40 years, but had never seen anyone who could do what Hollis could do (p. 43). The Old Man had said, "Where'd you ever learn to do that?" (pp. 44, 47), and Izzie had said, "You have a gift, pure and simple" (p. 44). What are some of the many many art career options for Hollis?
My twin daughters went different ways in their art interests. When she was in high school, one used tweed cloth glued to paper to illustrate fashion models; the other painted impressions of a wooded area, later using watercolors to blend pastel colors into dancers or flowers. The first could have been a fashion designer or a magazine illustrator or a newspaper ad editor, while her sister could have become a starving artist selling her original fine art on Parisian street corners. Actually, the first daughter uses her artistic talents when she puts pictures or 3-D objects on the walls of her home, and her sister isn't starving ... even though she still prefers fine art ... she is now part of an artists' cooperative, while her banker-husband supports the family. Hollis could do something like my daughters ... or she could illustrate books, design greeting cards, become an art teacher like Beatrice, lots of possibilities. The field is wide open for Hollis.
5. I'm testing your memory with this question. What was Hollis's favorite color in the leather box of colored pencils the Old Man gave her? What do you imagine Hollis would draw with that color?
Her favorite color was French Blue, as others have said. Sure, Hollis could draw the sky or the Delaware River, but also her favorite mountain. I looked up the color online and found a variety of shades of blue ... this yarn shows several shades of French blue. I guess I think of blue for mountains because I live in the Cumberland mountain range and near the Smoky Mountains, which look smoky blue-gray from a distance. Shades of purplish-bluish hills and mountaintops disappear into the distance in my mind, layers and layers of blues so that sometimes I can't decide whether that most distant one is a mountain or a cloud. I love that image.6. Josie told Hollis, "There are saltwater people, and freshwater people" (p. 23). Which was Hollis? Which are you? Tell us why.
Hollis preferred freshwater, as I do. As a child I loved reading about sailors climbing up into the sails and sailing the wild blue sea. Then I learned that I couldn't become of sailor of schooners (in the late 1940s) for two reasons: (1) schooners and square-riggers had gone the way of the dodo bird, and (2) women in the navy were not (then) allowed to actually sail off in ships. Too bad. When I got to know the ocean, however, it felt so wide open and huge! Not like the Tennessee River or the small creeks and streams in my area of the world. Nah, I'm happy to have spent my sailing life on a dammed-up lake not more than a couple of miles wide, blowing in the wind sweeping down on my 19-foot sailboat from the surrounding hills. I like being in sight of mountains.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
PHW ~ Shelley's answers
1. Why is the first picture called "X"? And why do you think Hollis has kept it in spite of the X? Discuss Hollis’s idea of home.
I think we all have a mutual annoyance for the teacher! It is obvious at this point that Hollis is gifted in that she has the capacity for figurative concepts at such a young age. The teacher was obviously below her in intelligence and tact! I think she keeps the picture because she has not really given up her wish.
2. We've heard that "a picture is worth a thousand words," so think up a picture of your family when you were a child. What would your "picture" show? Why is that particular moment in your family so special?
If I drew a picture of my family when I was a child, it would be all of us eating dinner while watching television! That was the only time we were together.
3. Except for the first chapter, all the others are said to be "The Time with Josie." What happens in chapter one? What name would you give this chapter?
How about "Mustard Lady Delivers Hollis to Art Teacher Wielding Knife"?
4. Beatrice had been an art teacher for 40 years, but had never seen anyone who could do what Hollis could do (p. 43). The Old Man had said, "Where'd you ever learn to do that?" (pp. 44, 47), and Izzie had said, "You have a gift, pure and simple" (p. 44). What are some of the many many art career options for Hollis?
I think previous posts have covered this well. On a somewhat related not, I like the discussion of the value of her art on pg. 45 when Beatrice says, "And sometimes what you see is so deep in your head you're not even sure of what you're seeing. But when it's down there on paper, and you look at it, really look, you'll see the way things are, " and, "You, the artist, can't hide from the world, because you're putting yourself down there too."
5. I'm testing your memory with this question. What was Hollis's favorite color in the leather box of colored pencils the Old Man gave her? What do you imagine Hollis would draw with that color?
I would be cheating if I answered this, having read the other's answers! (Next time I guess I should answer the questions without reading any others first!) I do agree that she would draw the Delaware.
6. Josie told Hollis, "There are saltwater people, and freshwater people" (p. 23). Which was Hollis? Which are you? Tell us why.
As for Hollis, I couldn't put it any better than the others in what the ocean and the river represent for her. I myself am a freshwater person, and coincidentally, I am also drawn to the security of a close-knit family.
I think we all have a mutual annoyance for the teacher! It is obvious at this point that Hollis is gifted in that she has the capacity for figurative concepts at such a young age. The teacher was obviously below her in intelligence and tact! I think she keeps the picture because she has not really given up her wish.
2. We've heard that "a picture is worth a thousand words," so think up a picture of your family when you were a child. What would your "picture" show? Why is that particular moment in your family so special?
If I drew a picture of my family when I was a child, it would be all of us eating dinner while watching television! That was the only time we were together.
3. Except for the first chapter, all the others are said to be "The Time with Josie." What happens in chapter one? What name would you give this chapter?
How about "Mustard Lady Delivers Hollis to Art Teacher Wielding Knife"?
4. Beatrice had been an art teacher for 40 years, but had never seen anyone who could do what Hollis could do (p. 43). The Old Man had said, "Where'd you ever learn to do that?" (pp. 44, 47), and Izzie had said, "You have a gift, pure and simple" (p. 44). What are some of the many many art career options for Hollis?
I think previous posts have covered this well. On a somewhat related not, I like the discussion of the value of her art on pg. 45 when Beatrice says, "And sometimes what you see is so deep in your head you're not even sure of what you're seeing. But when it's down there on paper, and you look at it, really look, you'll see the way things are, " and, "You, the artist, can't hide from the world, because you're putting yourself down there too."
5. I'm testing your memory with this question. What was Hollis's favorite color in the leather box of colored pencils the Old Man gave her? What do you imagine Hollis would draw with that color?
I would be cheating if I answered this, having read the other's answers! (Next time I guess I should answer the questions without reading any others first!) I do agree that she would draw the Delaware.
6. Josie told Hollis, "There are saltwater people, and freshwater people" (p. 23). Which was Hollis? Which are you? Tell us why.
As for Hollis, I couldn't put it any better than the others in what the ocean and the river represent for her. I myself am a freshwater person, and coincidentally, I am also drawn to the security of a close-knit family.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
My Answers to Part 1 Questions
1. Why is the first picture called "X"? And why do you think Hollis has kept it in spite of the X? Discuss Hollis’s idea of home.
Her teacher drew an X over Hollis' W picture implying it was wrong. Hollis' picture of a family was a very concrete W picture as it was her Wish. The story made me irritated with the teacher for not bothering to listen to Hollis, but just immediately assume that her drawing was wrong. It also made me realize the strength of Hollis since she did not let an uncaring adult rain on her parade.
2. We've heard that "a picture is worth a thousand words," so think up a picture of your family when you were a child. What would your "picture" show? Why is that particular moment in your family so special?
There is an actual black and white photo that comes to my mind although I was no longer a child. A friend of my 15-year-old brother's took a picture of us five remaining "kids" who were still living at home (my 20 year old brother was married and had a child of his own) the day after my father died. I was 20, one brother was 15, another 9, and the youngest was 3, and my only sister was 5. The photo stands out in my mind as that was such a major change in our family. My mother didn't work outside the home (she did babysit and take in ironings, but the pay was lousy) and not only was dealing with the death of my father difficult, but learning to cope financially was a struggle. I did all I could to help financially as well as with the younger siblings.
3. Except for the first chapter, all the others are said to be "The Time with Josie." What happens in chapter one? What name would you give this chapter?
Chapter one is when Hollis meets Josie so could be called "Meeting Josie".
4. Beatrice had been an art teacher for 40 years, but had never seen anyone who could do what Hollis could do (p. 43). The Old Man had said, "Where'd you ever learn to do that?" (pp. 44, 47), and Izzie had said, "You have a gift, pure and simple" (p. 44). What are some of the many many art career options for Hollis?
It was thanks to her stay with Josie that Hollis as well as the encouragement from the Old Man that Hollis began to have options in life including art careers. She could use her talent for becoming an artist (sometimes difficult to establish oneself enough to be self-sufficient), art teacher, interior designer, as well as many other options.
5. I'm testing your memory with this question. What was Hollis's favorite color in the leather box of colored pencils the Old Man gave her? What do you imagine Hollis would draw with that color?
Hollis' favorite color was French Blue. Hollis could draw the sky or her beloved Delaware River.
6. Josie told Hollis, "There are saltwater people, and freshwater people" (p. 23). Which was Hollis? Which are you? Tell us why.
Hollis lived the Delaware River so was a freshwater person. Although I have had limited exposure to the ocean, I love its beauty so I am a saltwater person. Even though Hollis seems to love the freedom of being independent (ocean), she yearns so for the enclosed love for a family so I guess this would fit in with the analogy of being a freshwater person (river). I grew up near the Kansas River and except during certain periods during the year I think of it as ugly and dirty. However, in the analogy I also love the enclosed (inland) concept of a close knit family and have seldom acted upon the freedom expressed by the ocean.
Her teacher drew an X over Hollis' W picture implying it was wrong. Hollis' picture of a family was a very concrete W picture as it was her Wish. The story made me irritated with the teacher for not bothering to listen to Hollis, but just immediately assume that her drawing was wrong. It also made me realize the strength of Hollis since she did not let an uncaring adult rain on her parade.
2. We've heard that "a picture is worth a thousand words," so think up a picture of your family when you were a child. What would your "picture" show? Why is that particular moment in your family so special?
There is an actual black and white photo that comes to my mind although I was no longer a child. A friend of my 15-year-old brother's took a picture of us five remaining "kids" who were still living at home (my 20 year old brother was married and had a child of his own) the day after my father died. I was 20, one brother was 15, another 9, and the youngest was 3, and my only sister was 5. The photo stands out in my mind as that was such a major change in our family. My mother didn't work outside the home (she did babysit and take in ironings, but the pay was lousy) and not only was dealing with the death of my father difficult, but learning to cope financially was a struggle. I did all I could to help financially as well as with the younger siblings.
3. Except for the first chapter, all the others are said to be "The Time with Josie." What happens in chapter one? What name would you give this chapter?
Chapter one is when Hollis meets Josie so could be called "Meeting Josie".
4. Beatrice had been an art teacher for 40 years, but had never seen anyone who could do what Hollis could do (p. 43). The Old Man had said, "Where'd you ever learn to do that?" (pp. 44, 47), and Izzie had said, "You have a gift, pure and simple" (p. 44). What are some of the many many art career options for Hollis?
It was thanks to her stay with Josie that Hollis as well as the encouragement from the Old Man that Hollis began to have options in life including art careers. She could use her talent for becoming an artist (sometimes difficult to establish oneself enough to be self-sufficient), art teacher, interior designer, as well as many other options.
5. I'm testing your memory with this question. What was Hollis's favorite color in the leather box of colored pencils the Old Man gave her? What do you imagine Hollis would draw with that color?
Hollis' favorite color was French Blue. Hollis could draw the sky or her beloved Delaware River.
6. Josie told Hollis, "There are saltwater people, and freshwater people" (p. 23). Which was Hollis? Which are you? Tell us why.
Hollis lived the Delaware River so was a freshwater person. Although I have had limited exposure to the ocean, I love its beauty so I am a saltwater person. Even though Hollis seems to love the freedom of being independent (ocean), she yearns so for the enclosed love for a family so I guess this would fit in with the analogy of being a freshwater person (river). I grew up near the Kansas River and except during certain periods during the year I think of it as ugly and dirty. However, in the analogy I also love the enclosed (inland) concept of a close knit family and have seldom acted upon the freedom expressed by the ocean.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
PHW
1. Hollis drew a picture of a family, instead of looking for words beginning with a W & then drawing a picture of that item. her teacher drew an X over her picture spoiling it for Hollis. The teacher should have asked why she drew a family. Duh!
2. My picture is of my family at the beach as a child as I loved playing in the sand & swimming for hours & then getting an ice cream when the ice cream truck came around.
3. Hollis meets Josie for the first time. Kindred spirits.
4. What's the question? I loved this chapter the best up to this point. I also draw/sketch, & could only imagine the excitement that Hollis felt, a feeling of being proud, probably for the first time in her life. I think she finally took the words in internally. She really believed what others were saying. That she was a great artist with a special talent. She felt accepted for who she was by not only the 2 women, but by the Regans. But that's another story.
5. Was it French Blue? She would draw the water, of course.
6. Hollis loves both the saltwater & freshwater, because it symbolizes the most important people in her life. Well, that's just my 2 cents. Other than that, I'm afraid of giving the plot away as I've seen the movie & don't remember if i read it already. She does happen to love 1 more over the other, feels more at home with... I'm a saltwater person. I love the saltwater smell, the salty water, the sand. That's what I grew up with. I would go to my grandfather's house, a half hour away, & then run right down the street to the beach. Did that every summer for awhile while growing up. As a teenager, I used to go sailing with my father every summer for awhile. I love to be near water, any kind, as long as it's water. LOL!!
2. My picture is of my family at the beach as a child as I loved playing in the sand & swimming for hours & then getting an ice cream when the ice cream truck came around.
3. Hollis meets Josie for the first time. Kindred spirits.
4. What's the question? I loved this chapter the best up to this point. I also draw/sketch, & could only imagine the excitement that Hollis felt, a feeling of being proud, probably for the first time in her life. I think she finally took the words in internally. She really believed what others were saying. That she was a great artist with a special talent. She felt accepted for who she was by not only the 2 women, but by the Regans. But that's another story.
5. Was it French Blue? She would draw the water, of course.
6. Hollis loves both the saltwater & freshwater, because it symbolizes the most important people in her life. Well, that's just my 2 cents. Other than that, I'm afraid of giving the plot away as I've seen the movie & don't remember if i read it already. She does happen to love 1 more over the other, feels more at home with... I'm a saltwater person. I love the saltwater smell, the salty water, the sand. That's what I grew up with. I would go to my grandfather's house, a half hour away, & then run right down the street to the beach. Did that every summer for awhile while growing up. As a teenager, I used to go sailing with my father every summer for awhile. I love to be near water, any kind, as long as it's water. LOL!!
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